Most immigrants come to the United States in search of better life, our freedoms

Illegal immigration continues to be a controversial and divisive topic in the U.S. Regardless of one’s personal opinion on the subject, there are almost 12 million illegal immigrants living here in the U.S.

I hope my personal relationships with these folks will put a face on one of today’s hottest topics. These stories representing a conglomerate of the folks we have served. I am not making any judgments at all but I do believe that putting a face on the topic may help folks have a better understanding of the issue.

Adelita came to the United States illegally seven years ago from Mexico to escape her family’s drug cartel. Her family lived in an area where death happened frequently; and as difficult as it would be for her to flee, she was desperate to get away from the drugs and death she saw daily.

She lost close family members and saw no end to the violence. She, herself, had endured terrible brutality. One day, she decided to flee with the help of a man known as a “coyote."

He smuggles humans across the border, but she had to pay her life savings for a chance of freedom. She was 17 and terrified but left her home with just the clothes on her back.

She now lives in the shadows and constantly looks over her shoulder for fear of being deported. She would love to go to school or get a GED. She and her husband are both here illegally but work hard jobs with long hours. They have two small children, both under the age of 3.

She has never been on any public assistance and would be appalled at the idea of taking a hand-out. The dream she had of freedom when she left Mexico has not materialized, but she is thankful she is no longer in the situation she was in prior to coming to the U.S.

She is a great mom and is currently working two jobs and attending classes for her GED. She is hoping to have a path for citizenship, but her chances are slim. Her tutor is working with her to improve her literacy skills and gain citizenship even if it is not possible.

Carmen has lived in the United States since 1992. She came as a baby with her parents from Central America. They were trying to flee a war that had ravaged their county. They were smuggled into Mexico and found their way to the U.S. It was a costly and frightening venture, but one they felt necessary.

Carmen’s mom and dad have worked hard for many years here in our community. They have attended church and have been great citizens; even though they have not received their citizenship, they are hopeful that they will be able to one day. They are working with our tutors to achieve their goal. Carmen’s goal is to become a teacher and work with English as a Second Language (ESL) students. And her tutor is helping her do that.

Juan works in construction and has worked with a tutor for several years. He has been in the U.S. for 27 years. He would love to get his GED and get into a trade school at Vernon College. He is working on his citizenship, currently, but he is not sure if he has the chance of this happening. We hope he can accomplish his goals.

Most immigrants who come to the U.S. come for better opportunities for employment, a greater degree of freedom, avoidance of political oppression, opportunities to rejoin family, and the chance of providing better lives for themselves.

Here are some interesting statistics: Unauthorized immigrants account for 1-in-20 workers in the United States; three-fifths of unauthorized immigrants have been in the United States for more than a decade; nearly half of adult unauthorized immigrants live in households with children under the age of 18; and, nearly half of longtime unauthorized immigrant households are homeowners.

This article is just to put a face on the person who may be your neighbor, have children who attend school with your children, go to your church, or work in your household.

I ask myself daily what I would do if I were Adelita, Carmen or Juan? What would you do?

Sara Shelton is the executive director of the Wichita Adult Literacy Council.